| formatio | A structure of definite shape or cellular arrangement. Synonym: formation. Origin: L. Fr. Formo, pp. -atus, to form (05 Mar 2000) |
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| formatio reticularis | <anatomy, neurology> A region extending from the pons & medulla oblongata through the mesencephalon, characterised by a diversity of neurons of various sizes and shapes, arranged in different aggregations and enmeshed in a complicated fibre network. (12 Dec 1998) |
| formation | 1. The act of giving form or shape to anything; a forming; a shaping. 2. The manner in which a thing is formed; structure; construction; conformation; form; as, the peculiar formation of the heart. 3. A substance formed or deposited. 4. <geology> Mineral deposits and rock masses designated with reference to their origin; as, the siliceous formation about geysers; alluvial formations; marine formations. A group of beds of the same age or period; as, the Eocene formation. 5. The arrangement of a body of troops, as in a square, column, etc. Origin: L. Formatio: cf. F. Formation. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| formationes | Plural of formatio. (05 Mar 2000) |